Atomizer closure



R. w. WILSON ATOMIZER CLOSURE March' 1o, 1942;-

Filed 139;; 71I 1938 2 She ets-Sheet l -l ORNEYS INVENTOR. M1' www, fr

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March 10, 1942. A R, W wlLsoN 2,275,666

ATOMIZER QLOSURE Filed Deo. 1, 1938 I 2 sheets-sheet 2 Fie?.

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W WNS Patented Mar. 10, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ATOMIZER.CLOSUBE Ralph W. Wilson, New York, N. Y. Application December 1,1938,Serial No. 243,480 l 1o claims. (o1. 29e-ssi v The present inventionrelates to atomizers, and more particularly to an improved closureatomizer for fluid containers of the type used in dispensing fluidtoilet preparations, such as toilet water, perfume or brilliantine, forexample, although it is not limited to such use.

This application is a continuation in part of application Serial No.239,226 filed November 7, 1938.

tofore ordinarily include a suitable atomizing nozzle connected to aseparate compressor bulb. These devices have been found to be generallyunsatisfactory in many respects. For one thing, 'it is impractical andin most cases impossible to ship filled fluid containers having theatomizer attached, because the atomizers used are bulky, diillcult toseal and permit the fluid to escape from Athe containers during originalshipm'nt or in traveling. For this reason it is the current practice toprovide a separate closure for the container which must be removed andreplaced by the usual atomizer after shipment.

In prior type atomizers, moreover, the more volatile fluids such asexpensive perfumes, for example, tend to evaporate through the atomizingnozzle and-the air vent usually provided in such devices. Furthermore,it is usually necessary to use both hands to manipulate the atom- `izer,one to support the fluid container and the other to support the bulb.

The principal object of the present invention, accordingly, lis toprovide an improved atomizer closure which is free from thedefects ofthe prior art outlined above, and which at the same time is highlyeffective in operation, always distinctive and pleasing in appearance,and less expensive to manufacture.

A furthei` object of the invention is to provide an atomizer closure ofthe above character which may be readily and effectively sealed toprevent leakage during original shipment or in traveling,

and evaporation ofthe fluid contents when not in use.

A further object of the invention is to provide an atomizer closure ofthe above character wher;in the compressor bulb' forms a unitary part ofthe closure whereby the atomizer may be manipulated with one hand.

Another object of the invention is to provide an atomizer closure of theabove. character in Atomizers of the above character used here-l -whichthe compressor bulb is entirely enclosed -the purpose of supplying airunder pressure to the atomizing nozzle for atomizing the fluid. Theactuating member forms an air check valve as is described in greaterdetail below. The invention also provides means cooperating with theatomizing nozzle for effectively sealing the container to preventleakage or evaporation of the fluid container therein.

Additional objects and advantages will appear from the followingdetailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings,in which:

Figure 1 is a view in section illustrating an atomizer closureconstructed in accordance .with the present invention;

Figure 2 -is a partial view in section of a modiilcationrof Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partial view in section illustrating an alternate form ofcompressor bulb;

Figure 4 is a modification of Figure 3 in which the atomizing nozzle islocated in the actuating plunger;

Figure 5 is a partial view in section similar to Figure 1,-illustratingmeans for `sealing the container to prevent leakage or evaporation;

Figure 6 is a partial view in section taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5illustrating the relative positions of the sealing elements when theatomzer is ready for use;

Figure 7 is also a partial view in section similar to Figure 6illustrating the relative positions of the sealing elements when thecontainer is sealed;

Figure 8 is a view in front elevation of the atomizing nozzleillustrating the position of indicia thereon corresponding to theposition of the nozzle shown in Figure 6; and

Figure 9 is a view in front elevation similar to Figure 8, illustratingthe position of the nozzle indicia corresponding to the position of thenozzle shown in `Figure 8.

Referring to Figure 1, a iluid container is shown at l0 having a neckportion Il` which may be threaded to receive the atomizer closure l2,although obviously the latter may be secured to the bottle in any knownmanner. vA washer through which the finely divided fluid may bedispensed. Within the tube I1 and spaced from the walls thereof is acoaxial hollow tube I9 in which is formed an aperture 28 through whichair under pressure may be directed `for atomizing uid. The outer tube I1is also provided with an aperture 2I communicating with a tube 22mounted in the closure portion I4, .which supplied fiuid from thecontainer I8 to nozzle I6. 'I'he tube 22 extends downwardly into the uidor it may be connected to a tubular wick 23 immersed in the fluid.

The closure portion I4 of the atomizer closure I2 is provided with ashouldered portion 24 on which an upwardly extending cylindrical chamber2 5 is adapted to be snugly received. .At theupper portion of thechamber 25 is formed a short tubular portion 26 in which a plunger 21 isadapted to slide. The plunger 21 has a wide flange 28 at its lowerextremity, which'normally engages the upper surface of a drum-shapedcompressor bulb 29 contained within the chamber 25. The bulb 29 ispreferably made of a resilient material such as rubber, for example,although any other suitable material may be'used. The flange 28cooperates with an aperture 3l, located in the upper surface ofcompressor bulb 29, to form an air check valve. A conical member 38 maybe provided which is adapted to project into the aperture 3l forincreasing the effectiveness of its operation. In some cases it may bedesirable to provide a duct 21 of very small diameter in the plunger 21and flange 28, as shown in Fig. 1 in order to relieve any vacuum whichmay be created in the bulb 29 at the instant the plunger is released.

At the lower edge o'f the bulb 29 is formed a circular inwardlyextending flanged portion 32 which cooperates with a circular groove 33formed at the upper edge of the closure portion I4 of the atomizerclosure I2 to provide an air-tight joint at the point where the bulb 29is secured to the closure portion I4 of the atomizer closure I2.

In the closure portion I4 is formed a recess 34 communicating with anarrow passage 35 and a second passage 36 through which air underpressure may be directed to the inner tube I9 of the atomizing nozzleI6. An air vent 31 is provided in the lower portion of the closureportion I4 for preventing the formation of a vacuum in the container I8.

Withingthe compressor bulb 29 is a resilient member which may be, forexample, a coil spring 38 seated within the recess 34 in the closureportion I4 of the atomizer closure I2, and whose upper end normallyurges the upper surface of the compressor bulb 29 against the lower faceof the plunger flange 28. The spring 38 serves to restore the bulb tothe normal expanded position shown in Fig. l when the plunger 21 isreleased.

In operation, the fluid container I8 may be held in one hand in suchfashion that the index finger, for example, rests upon' the plunger 21.E

The bulb 29 being in the normal expanded position contains air underatmospheric pressure, which when the plunger 21 is depressed by theindexiinger of the user, is forced through the passages 35 and 36 intothe atomizer nozzle I6 for atomizing the uid.

Filled fluid containers may be shipped with the atomizer closure I2attached merely by closing aperture I8 in the atomizing nozzle .I8 andthe air vent 31 by means of any convention seal. When thus sealed, theiilled containers may be shipped with commercial assurance againstleakage of fluid therefrom.

' When it is desired to use the fluid containers for dispensing highlyvolatile liquids, such as the more expensive perfumes, the modicationillustrated in Fig. 5 may be used. This construction differs from thatshown-in Fig. 1 in that a tubular passage 61 extends through the closureportion I4 into which a sleeve 68 is adapted to be tightly fitted. Inorder to insure a very tight fit the outer surfaces of the sleeve 68 maybe knurled before it is pressed into the passage 61. In the sleeve 68 isan aperture 69 which registers with the passage 35 communicating withthe compressor bulb 29. A second aperture- 18 is also provided in thesleeve 68 which registers with the tube 22 communicating with the uid inthe container I8.

The atomizing nozzle 1I, similar to atomizing nozzle I6 shown in Fig. 1,is provided with a portion 12 of reduced diameter which is adapted to besnugly received within the sleeve 68, such that the apertures 13 and 14formed therein register with the apertures 69 and 10 respectively. The

atomizing nozzle 1I is provided with a flat portion 16 which cooperateswith the sleeve 68 to form a passage 11 communicating at one end with avertical duct 18 formed in closure ,portion I4. The duct 18 and thepassage 11 cooperate to form an air Vent for preventing the formation ofa vacuum within the container I8. The atomizing nozzle 1I may besecurely held within the sleeve 68 by means of a plug 15 which isadapted to be forced into the open end of atomizing nozzle 1I. It willbe evident that, if desired, sleeve 68 may be dispensed with, in whichcase nozzle 1I may be so formed as to be snugly received Within thepassage 61.

In operation the atomizing nozzle is in the position illustrated inFigs. 5 and 6, in which the apertures 13 and 14 register with apertures69 and 18respectively, and duct 18 registers with passage 11, so thatboth air from the compressor bulb 29 and fluid from the container I 8may be directed to the atomizing nozzle 1I. When not in use, however,the atomizing nozzle 1I may be rotated through an angle of approximatelyto the position shown in Fig. '7 by means of a handle 19 which may besecured to the plug 15 as shown, or to the front portion of nozzle 1I.In this position, the apertures 13 and 14 are no longer in registry withapertures 69 and 18 respectively, nor is the passage 11 in atomizingnozzle 1I in registry with the duct 18 in the closure portion I4. Itwill be evident from an inspection of Figs. 5 and 7, therefore, thatfluid cannot possibly leak from the container I8 berigs. a and 9. Thuswhen the indicia points upwardly as shown in Fig. 8, the user knows thatThe nozzle 1| may be moved to the sealed po-` sition shown in Fig. 7,before shipment or in traveling, thus eliminating the necessity for anytemporary seal or separate closure member. Moreover, the container I maybe kept closed when not in use, thus preventing any evaporation of theuid contents of the-container.

It desired, the coil spring may be eliminated by using the dome-shapedcompressor bulb 40 shown in Fig. 2. In this case the bulb 40, being madeof flexible material suchas rubber, for example, will, by reason of itsinherent resiliency return to the normal expanded position when theplunger 4I is released. s

As shown in Fig. 2, compressorbulb 40 may be enclosed within a chamber42 of similar shape having at its upper extremity a tubular passage 43inwhich the plunger 4| is adapted to slide. The plunger 4| is provided`with a flange 44 which may be shaped to conform with the curved surfaceof the chamber 42 and which also serves as an air check valve. Theflange 44 may also be provided with a central downwardly extendingconical portion 45, which is adapted to extend nexible tube or wick 23,which is immersed inthe fluid within the container lll.A

The plunger 58 'has at its lower end an outwardly extending flange 54which acts as a stop may be provided with a conical portion 55 surinto acircular aperture formed in the upper portion of the compressor bulb 40to further increase compression. The operation of this modication isessentially as described above in connection with Fig. 1.

In the modification illustrated by Fig. l3, an alternate form ofcompressor bulb is shown. This compressor bulb may be constructed in theform of a bellows 41 which may comprise a plurality of circular sections48 of resilient material, such as, for example, rubber. The sections 48of the bellows 41, being made of resilient material, maintain thebellows 41 in'its normal fully expanded position without the necessityfor a restoring spring.

In the bellows 41 an aperture 52 is formed which is adapted to cooperatewith flange 54 to form an air check valve in the manner described.

Its operation may be further assisted by a conical r portion 53 on theunder surface of the flange 54. This modification may be operated asdescribed above in connection with Figs. 1 and 2.

As shown in Fig. 4, the atomizing nozzle I6 may be formed in theactuating plunger. a circular aperture 55 is formed in the upper portionof chamber 25, in which a plunger 56 is adapted to slide. with aradially extending passage 51 into which the atomizing nozzle I5 may beinserted. Air is supplied to the atomizing nozzle Hi` from the passage58 which communicates with a vertically extending passage 59 within theplunger 56, and which in turn communicates with the bellows 41.

Fluid is supplied to the atomizing nozzle through the tube 60 whichextends downwardly within the plunger 55 and to the lower end of whichis fixed a flexible tube 5|. The tube 5| is connected at its lower endto a, vertical tube 62 whichipasses through the aperture 52 in thebellows 41, and which is mounted in the closure portion 53. The tube 62extends through closure `portion 53 into the fluid or is connected to aIn this case The plunger 5|i` is provided rounding the tube 82, whichextends into the aperture 52 and serves as a check valve for the bellows41 in essentially the same manner as described above.

In operation, the plunger 5.8 is depressed, thus forcing theflowersurface of the bellowsV 41 upon the closure portion 53, forming an Vaircheck valve for compressing the air in bellows 41. Air under pressure isforced up the passages 58 and 59 to the atomizing nozzle I6 in theplunger 58 for atomizing the fluid.

The closure member, together with the compressor bulb chamber, arepreferably made of a plastic material, although, obviously, any othersuitable material may be used. Such materials are available in a widevariety of colors, so that atomizer closures may be provided in manydifferent color combinations to harmonize with other toilet accessories.These materials, furthermore, are relatively inexpensive, and easy tofabricate.

The atomizer closure of this invention may be used for dispensingliquids other than toilet preparations. It may be used with equalsuccess in dispensing medicinal preparations, cleaning fluids, and manyother fluids and it is to be understood that the present inventioncomprehends all such uses. Moreover, it will be understood that thesealing .nozzle illustrated in Fig. 5 may be used in any of the othermodifications disclosed.

It will be evident from the foregoing that the invention provides ahighly effective atomizer which may be easily operated by the same handthat holds the container, and in which the atomizer forms an integralpart of the closure. By sealing aperture I8 in nozzle I6, and air vent31 by easy conventional means, a commercial seal may be obtainedinsuring against leakage of the fluid during its original shipment.

By using the sealing nozzle shown in Fig. 5, leakage of the fluid may beprevented without the necessity for temporary seals or a 4separateshipping closure. Moreover, the sealing nozzle enables the container tobe kept tightly closed when not in use, thus preventing any evaporationof fluid from the container.

While several specific embodiments have been described above, it is tobe understood that the invention is to be in no way limited thereby, butis capable of numerous changes in form and detail within the scope ofthe appended claims.

I claim: i

1. An atomizer closure vfor uid containers comprising a closure memberhaving a chamber portion therein, air compressor means within thechamber having an air inlet therein, manual means for actuating thecompressor means, said manual means being adapted to rest freely -onsaid air compressor means and having a portion thereon adapted to beurged tightly against said air inlet to form a substantially airtightclosure therefor when the manual means is depressed,

thereby forming an air check valve, an atomizing nozzle in the closuremember, means communicating with the container for directing fluid to anatomizing nozzle, means for directing fluid to' the nozzle, and meansfor directing air to the nozzle, the combination of means forming achamber on the closure member, air compressor means in the chamberhaving an air inlet there- I in, and manual means for actuating said aircompressor means, said manual means being adapted to rest freely on saidair compressor.

means and having a portion thereon'adapted to be urged tightly againstsaid air inlet to form a substantially airtight closure therefor whenthe manual means is depressed, thereby forming an air check valve.

3. An atomizer closure for fluid containers comprising a closure memberhaving a chamber portion therein, a normally expanded airI compressorbulb in the chamber having an air inlet therein, a plunger forcompressing the bulb to provide air under pressure for atomizing uid,said plunger being adapted to rest freely on said air compressor bulband having a portion associated therewith which is adapted to be urgedtightly against said air inlet t form a substantially airtight closuretherefor when the plunger is depressed, thereby forming an air checkvalve, an atomizing nozzle, a conduit communicating with the containerfor directing fluid to the atomizing nozzle and a second conduitcommunieating with the air compressor bulb for directing air to theatomizing nozzle.

4. An atomizer closure for fluid containers, comprising a closure memberhaving a chamber portion therein, a compressor bulb in the chamberportion having an air inlet therein, resilient means for maintainingsaid compressor bulb normally expanded, manual means for actuating saidcompressor bulb, said manual means being adapted to rest freely on saidair compressor bulb and having a portion thereon adapted to be urgedtightly against said air inlet to form a substantially airtight closuretherefor when the manual means is depressed, thereby forming an aircheck valve, an atomizing nozzle, means communicating with saidcontainer for directing uid to said atomizing nozzle, and meanscommunicating with said compressor bulb for directing air to saidatomizing nozzle.

5. An atomizer closure for uid containers comprising a closure memberhaving a chamber portion therein, an air compressor bulb in the chamberhaving an air inlet therein, a recess in the closure member, a springseated in the recess for maintaining the bulb normally expanded, aplunger for compressing the bulb and spring to provide air underpressure for atomizing fluid, said plunger being adapted to rest freelyon said air compressor bulb and having a projecting portion associatedtherewith adapted to be urged the nozzle and means for directing airtothe nozzle, the combination of means forming a chamber on the closuremember, air compressor means in the chamber and having an air inlettherein, manual means for actuating said air compressor means, saidmanual means being adapted to` rest freely on said air compressor meansand having a portion thereon adapted to be urged tightly against saidair inlet to form a. substantially airtight closure therefor when themanual means is depressed, thereby forming an air check valve, and meansforming a passage in the manual means for relieving anyvacuum created inthe air compressor means when the manual means is released afteractuation.

7. An atomizer closure for fluid containers comprising a hollow casingterminating at its upper end in an aperture, and having'a transversepartition therein, the lower portion of said casing and the transversepartition forming a closure for the neck of a uid container, aircompressor means in the casing, above the transverse member therein, aplunger extending through said aperture in the casing for actuating saidair compressor means, an atomizing nozzle in said transverse partition,having a iiuid inlet and an air inlet therein, means communicating withsaid air compressor means for directing air to said air inlet, meanscommunicating with said container for directing fluid therefrom to saiduid inlet. and means for moving said atomizing nozzle to close both saidinlets, whereby leakage and evaporation of fluid from said container maybe prevented.

8. An atomizer closure for fluid containers comprising a cap adapted tobe secured to the neck of a container and having an upwardly extendingskirt portion forming a chamber therein above the cap, a substantiallycylindrical air compressor bulb mounted over said chamber in the cap, asubstantially cylindrical housing secured to the cap and enclosing theair compressor bulb, said housing terminating at its upper end in anaperture, a plunger extending through said aperture for actuating saidair compressor bulb, a conduit communicating with said chamber in thecap, a second conduit communicating with the container, a duct alsocommunicating with the container, an atomizing nozzle in the cap, havingan air inlet therein adapted to register with said first conduit, meansin the nozzle forming a fluid inletv adapted to register with saidsecond conduit, means forming an air vent in the nozzle,

tightly against said air inlet to form a substancommunicating with saidduct, and means for moving said nozzle to close said air inlet, fluidinlet and air vent, whereby leakage and evaporation of fluid from thecontainer may be pre- Vented.

9. An atomizer closure for fluid containers comprising a cap adapted tobe secured to the neck of a container and having an upwardly extendingskirt portion forming a chamber therein above the cap, a substantiallycylindrical air compressor bulb mounted over said chamber in the cap andhaving an air inlet in the upper wall thereof, a substantiallycylindrical housing secured to the cap and enclosing the air compressorbulb, said housing terminating at its upper end in an aperture, aplunger extending through said aperture for actuating said aircompressor bulb, said plunger being adapted to rest freely on said aircompressor bulb and having a portion thereon adapted to be urged tightlyagainst said air inlet to form a substantially airtight closure thereforwhen the manual means is depressed, thereby forming an air check valve,

an atomizing nozzle in the cap, a conduit communicating with saidcontainer for directing uid to said nozzle, and a second conduitcommunicating with said chamber in the cap for directing air from thecompressor bulb to the nozzle.

10. An atomizer closure for fluid containers comprising a cap adapted tobe secured to the neck of a container and having an upwardly extendingskirt portion forming a chamber therein above the cap, a substantiallycylindrical air compressor bulb mounted over said chamber in the cap andhaving an air inlet in the upper wall thereof, a compression springseated in said chamber for maintaining the compressor bulb normallyexpanded, a substantially cylindrical housing secured to the cap andenclosing the air compressor bulb, said housing terminating at its upperend in an aperture, a plunger extending through said aperture foractuating said air compressor bulb, said plunger being adapted to restfreelyl on said air compressor bulb and having a portion thereon adaptedto be urged tightly against said air inlet to form a substantiallyairtight closure therefor when the manual means is depressed, therebyforming an air check valve, an atomizing nozzle in the cap, a conduitcommunicating with said container for directing uid to said nozzle, anda. second conduit communicating with said chamber in the cap fordirecting air from the compressor bulb to the nozzle.

RALPH W. WILSON.

